After five rounds, the standings are beginning to take form as Super Rugby Pacific intensifies.
The Brumbies and Waratahs both faced defeats in Round 5, while the Crusaders bounced back to secure a victory and the Hurricanes triumphed over the Force.
This week features a significant derby match in New Zealand to commence the round, with the Waratahs and Brumbies returning home seeking to regain their winning momentum.
Best of luck with your predictions. If you haven’t set up a tipping competition yet, there’s still ample time—join ESPN Footytips today!
[Note: all odds accurate as of 11am 18/3]Friday, March 20
Highlanders vs. Hurricanes
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, New Zealand 5:05pm (AEDT)
Highlanders: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Caleb Tangitau, Jonah Lowe, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jona Nareki, Reesjan Pasitoa, Folau Fakatava, Hugh Renton, Lucas Casey, Sean Withy, Te Kamaka Howden, Oliver Haig, Angus Ta’avao, Jack Taylor, Ethan de Groot. Replacements: Soane Vikena, Josh Bartlett, Sosefo Kautai, Tai Cribb, Veveni Lasaqa, Adam Lennox, Andrew Knewstubb, Tanielu Tele’a
Hurricanes: Callum Harkin, Josh Moorby, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Fehi Fineanganofo, Ruben Love, Cam Roigard; Brayden Iose, Peter Lakai, Devan Flanders, Warner Dearns, Caleb Delaney, Pasilio Tosi, Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia. Replacements: Vernon Bason, Siale Lauaki, Tevita Mafileo, Hugo Plummer, Brad Shields, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Ereatara Enari, Bailyn Sullivan
Officials: Referee: Angus Gardner; Assistant Referees: George Myers, Matt Kellahan; TMO: Graham Cooper
Prediction:
Odds [tab.com.au]: Highlanders: $2.90 +6.5 $1.90; Hurricanes: $1.40, -6.5 $1.90
Brumbies vs. Chiefs
GIO Stadium, Canberra, Australia, 7:35pm (AEDT)
Brumbies: Andy Muirhead, Kye Oates, Kadin Pritchard, Hudson Creighton, Corey Toole, Declan Meredith, Ryan Lonergan; Charlie Cale, Rory Scott, Rob Valetini, Cadeyrn Neville, Lachlan Shaw, Darcy Breen, Billy Pollard, James Slipper. Replacements: Liam Bowron, Blake Schoupp, Tevita Alatini, Toby Macpherson, Luke Reimer, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed, Austin Anderson
Chiefs: Liam Coombes-Fabling, Leroy Carter, Daniel Rona, Quinn Tupara, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima, Luke Jacobson, Jahrome Brown, Simon Parker, Tupou Vaa’i, Josh Lord, Reuben O’Neill, Samisomi Taukei’aho, Jared Proffit. Replacements: Tyrone Thompson, Ollie Norris, George Dyer, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Samipeni Finau, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Lalakai Foketi
Officials: Referee: Nic Berry; Assistant Referees: Reuben Keane, Louis Trisley; TMO: Brett Cronan
Prediction:
Odds [tab.com.au]: Brumbies: $2.90, +6.5 $1.85; Chiefs: $1.40, -6.5 $1.90
Saturday, March 21
Fijian Drua vs. Queensland Reds
Churchill Park, Lautoka, Fiji, 2:35pm (AEDT)
Drua: Iliasia Droasese, Joji Nasova, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Isikeli Rabitu, Ponipate Loganimasi, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Frank Lomani, Elia Canakaivata, Kitione Salawa, Etonia Waqa, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Mesake Doge, Zuriel Togiatama, Haereiti Hetet. Replacements: Sairusi Ravudi, Peni Ravai, Samuela Tawake, Vilive Miramira, Isoa Tuwai, Motikiai Murray, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Inia Tabuavoa
Reds: Jock Campbell, Filipo Daugunu, Isaac Henry, Hunter Paisami, Tim Ryan, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Kalani Thomas, Harry Wilson, John Bryant, Joe Brial, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Seru Uru, Nick Bloomfield, Josh Nasser, Aiden Ross. Replacements: Richie Asiata, George Blake, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Hamish Muller, Vaiuta Latu, Louis Werchon, Ben Volavola, Treyvon Pritchard
Officials: Referee: James Doleman; Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle, Fraser Hannon; TMO: Glenn Newman
Prediction:
Odds [tab.com.au]: Drua: $1.68, -2.5 $1.90; Reds: $2.15, +2.5 $1.90
Moana Pasifika vs. Crusaders
North Harbour Stadium, Albany, New Zealand, 5:05pm (AEDT)
Moana: William Havili, Tevita Latu, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Julian Savea, Glen Vaihu, Patrick Pellegrini, Joel Lam, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Niko Jones, Miracle Faiilagi, Allan Craig, Tom Savage, Atu Moli, Millennium Sanerivi, Tito Tuipulotu. Replacements: Mamoru Harada, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Veikoso Poloniati, Dominic Ropeti, Siaosi Nginingini, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Tevita Ofa
Crusaders: Will Jordan, Chay Fihaki, Braydon Ennor, Dallas McLeod, Sevu Reece, Cooper Grant, Noah Hotham, Christian Lio-Willie, Johnny Lee, Ethan Blackadder, Jamie Hannah, Tahlor Cahill, Fletcher Newell, George Bell, Finlay Brewis. Replacements: Manumaua Leitu, George Bower, Seb Calder, Antonio Shalfoon, Xavier Saifoloi, Kyle Preston, Leciester Fainga’anuku, Kurtis Macdonald
Officials: Referee: Angus Mabey; Assistant Referees: Paul Williams, Mike Winter; TMO: Aaron Paterson
Prediction:
Odds [tab.com.au]: Moana: $14, +25.5 $1.90; Crusaders: $1.01, -25.5 $1.90
NSW Waratahs vs. Blues
Allianz Stadium, Sydney, Australia, 7:35pm (AEDT)
Waratahs: Sid Harvey, Harry Potter, Triston Reilly, Joey Walton, Max Jorgensen, Jack Debreczeni, Jake Gordon, Pete Samu, Jamie Adamson, Clem Halaholo, Miles Amatosero, Matt Philip, Daniel Botha, Ethan Dobbins, Tom Lambert. Replacements: Ioane Moananu, Isaac Kailea, Siosifa Amone, Angus Blyth, Leafi Talataina, Teddy Wilson, Lawson Creighton, George Poolman
Blues: Zarn Sullivan, Codemeru Vai, AJ Lam, Pita Ahki, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrettm Finlay Christie, Malachi Wrampling, Dalton Papali’i, Anton Segner, Sam Darry, Josh Beehre, Sam Matenga, Bradley Slater, Ofa Tu’ungafasi. Replacements: James Mullan, Mason Tupaea, Marcel Renata, Che Clark, Torian Barnes, Taufa Funaki, Xavi Taele, Payton Spencer
Officials: Referee: Jordan Way; Assistant Referees: Damon Murphy, Jeremy Markey; TMO: James Leckie
Prediction:
Odds [tab.com.au]: Waratahs: $2.70, +5.5 $1.; Blues: $1.44, -5.5 $1.87
